Your Tzaar and Pressure in Life Can Be Your Most Precious Gift

On Chol HaMoed Sukkos in Yerushalayim I davened in the Ohr HaTzafon Shteibelach and spoke for a few minutes after Shachris. I said based on the Gemara: אגרא דכלה דוחקא (Berachos 6b) that the main Schar we have on Sukkos is the tremendous concern & aggravation over our Arba Minim. We worry about the Pitum of the Esrog, the Tiyumes (middle leaf) of the Lulav, that they should remain fresh, etc. Also, the headache of buying the right Lulav & Esrog.

A person doesn’t realize that the Tza'ar and pressure and stress and worry in his life can be the most precious part of him and of his Mitzvos. It can be worth hundreds of beautiful Esrogim.